Laser processing of SiC: From graphene-coated SiC particles to 3D graphene froths

Production of graphene-based structures and composites can be achieved in a number of ways using predominantly chemical-vapor-deposition-based approaches and solution chemistry methods. The present work investigates the feasibility of infrared lasers in the controlled graphitization of micron-sized SiC particles. It is demonstrated that laser-mediated SiC decomposition can result in a manifold of graphene structures depending on the irradiation conditions. In particular, graphene formation, at nearly ambient conditions, can take place in various forms resulting in SiC particles covered by few-layer epitaxially grown films, and particles with a progressively increasing thickness of the graphitized layer, reaching eventually to free-standing 3D graphene froths at higher irradiation doses. Electron microscopies are used to determine the graphene layer features while Raman scattering identifies high-quality, strain-free graphene. Implications of graphene-coated particles and 3D porous graphene scaffolds to a variety of applications are briefly discussed. The present findings testify the potential of lasers toward the tailor-made preparation of high-quality graphene-based structures. The scalability and adaptability of lasers further support their prospect to develop reliable, reproducible, eco-friendly and cost-effective laser-assisted graphene production technologies.